Sustainable Fisheries Scheme

The Sustainable Fisheries Scheme is established under Union Priority 1 (Sustainable Fisheries) of Ireland’s Operational Programme under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014 – 2020, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Commission.

Who is Eligible

• fishermen
• organisations of fishermen
• fishermen’s co-operatives
• processors

What is Funded

• Particular attention is paid to the promotion of operations which integrate producing, processing and marketing activities of the supply chain, or which consist of innovative processes or methods
• This scheme will also support the processing of unwanted catches
• Finally, the scheme will assist those in the wider seafood sector, including those not directly affected by the landing obligation, to achieve the goals of the Common Fisheries Policy, by:
  • Facilitating the transition to a sustainable exploitation of living marine biological resources
  • Reducing the impact of fishing on the marine environment
  • Improving the added value and quality of unwanted catches landed from commercial stocks in accordance with technical measures and/or using methods with low impact on the environment
  • Improving the hygiene, health and working conditions of fishermen operating such vessels
  • Increasing the quality, control and traceability of the products landed
  • Contributing to environmental protection and improving safety and working conditions

Projects supported under this scheme will in every case:

• Contribute to the gradual elimination of discards and by–catches
• Facilitate the transition to exploitation of living marine biological resources
• Develop or introduce new technical knowledge that reduces the impact of fishing activities on the environment, including improved fishing techniques and gear selectivity
• Aim to achieve a more sustainable use of marine biological resources and coexistence with protected predators.

Specifically the scheme will support the following Projects:

• Environmentally Friendly Fishing Gear & Methods
• On Board Investments
• Promoting Quality and Added Value Onshore

For full grant criteria please read the application form

For more information on Part A: Public Interest Projects & Part C contact Marie Christie.

For information on Part B: Fleet Improvement Projects contact Kevin McCoole